Illinois...

[ChicagoClucker]

I would give anything to go back to last week when a lot of my energy went toward planning for chicks. Life was normal & happy then. At 3:30am Fri morning, my mom stopped breathing for a few minutes. My poor father was there to witness everything. The paramedics revived her, but only lower brain functions like reflexes came back. Our family waited for days to see any signs of hope, but each day the brain activity changed & slowed. My dad, 3 children, 12 grandchildren, & 6 great-grandchildren miss this amazing woman. Many people stopped by to say Good Bye on Sun-Mon. My mom always regretted not being there when her mom passed, so I knew it was important for my mom not to be alone until God called her home. On Monday at 5pm, the crowd thinned. By 6pm my dad had to leave (too difficult to hear her breathing). The next shift was running late, so my husband had to run home to tuck our kids into bed. He called a friend to keep me company while he was away. It was during that time between husband leaving & my friend arriving, that my mom passed while I held her hand.

My mom & I spoke on the phone often. So many words we shared & when the the docs recommended everyone say what needed to be said (final words), I had none. Throughout the days I keep seeing things that I want tell mom about or all those little things that remind me of her. These days have been so long, so I want to call home to speak with her for comfort. Next week is her 80th birthday with Mother's Day soon after. It's unbearable to think that I will only have her memories & not her hugs. She was strong & in general good health. Just one moment changed everything forever.

My sister also went into ICU last week. She had a close call & had to fight with her docs so she could be released from the hospital to say good bye to Mom. She lives with my parents &, unlike my mom, is in poor health. My poor father is emotionally crushed & battling the same bronchitis. They were married young & just celebrated their 62nd anniversary in Jan. Mom was his world.

Please continue to pray for my family. DH & I have been blessed with friends/neighbors who have provided meals & childcare, so I could stay at the hospital. I will not be posting for a while, but I wanted to share my feelings, b/c I no longer have my mom with whom to share.

So sorry for your families loss. Hope your father and sister's health has improved and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

 

[NotAFarm]

@Faraday40

I hope you can feel the hugs I am sending your way continually. Your mother sounds like she was loved by many and that is the most we can ask of our life here. Prayers will be said for your Dad who will have a hole that cannot be mended, for your sister and her health and for you and any other family members who are experiencing the loss of someone so special.

 

[NotAFarm]

Despite all arguments to the contrary, my chicken math made me buy these two Mauve Orpingtons. I had lost them to someone in an auction few months ago and now they were selling them and I could not let it go. I am picking them up from Wisconsin next weekend. Anyone near Chicago wants to tag along so that we can mutually enable each other for some more Orpington chick buying? lol.

They are lovely!
There has been Avian Influenza found at a poultry facility in Jefferson County, between Madison and Milwaukee. Be careful to use good biosecurity while there and upon your return.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/porta...DJ0MjDzdXUyMDTzdPA2cAtz8jT1dTPULsh0VAbiDHEw!/

 

[Junibutt]

Thanks for the info. Although I am going West of Madison but might as well have them shipped. Needless to say will have them quarantined for a while

 

[Jerrysmom]

I'm looking for anyone who might be interested in serama chickens. I have 2 boys for sale

 

[Cabin Katie]

Might be a little late to this thread but hello peeps

central IL on the more south-ish side. I live 30 minutes from St Louis.

 

[Junibutt]

Might be a little late to this thread but hello peeps

central IL on the more south-ish side. I live 30 minutes from St Louis.

Welcome to the Illinois Thread. Hope you have fun and get all the information you need from here.

 

[ChicagoClucker]

Might be a little late to this thread but hello peeps

central IL on the more south-ish side. I live 30 minutes from St Louis.

Welcome to the Illinois Thread

 

[NotAFarm]

Might be a little late to this thread but hello peeps

central IL on the more south-ish side. I live 30 minutes from St Louis.

Welcome! I'll be in your "neck of the woods" this weekend. Helping out with the grandkids while my DD and SIL look for a house around O'Fallon.

 

[cavemanrich]

I'm looking for anyone who might be interested in serama chickens. I have 2 boys for sale

Very much interested in seramas, BUT THEY HAVE TO BE HENS. Cant have roos. If you have hens, PM me.